Cannabinoids and the effects on cancer

What we are going to go over today is the Cannabinoid System and where studies indicate that cannabis based medicines may be beneficial in reducing the burden of these diseases, manage pain and help to lower healthcare costs.

The only reason cannabis actually works and has an effect on us all is due to the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). The ECS is a network of receptors that exists in the bodies of all mammals and the endocannabinoids that bind to them. In all, the ECS regulates various body functions and processes and maintains internal balance and homeostasis.

Researchers have detected two different endocannabinoids thus far. The first being 2-arichidondylglycerol (2-AG). 2-AG is mainly found in the central nervous system and though it is a full agonist of both CB1 and CB2 receptors, it exerts a stronger influence over the CB2 receptor. It is because of this that 2-AG is thought to have a greater influence on the immune system. The second endocannabinoid is anandamide (AEA) which is commonly referred to as the “bliss molecule” and is believed to play a major role in our basic daily physiological functions including sleep cycles, appetite, mood elevation and even fertility. These cannabinoids work in conjunction with a large web of receptors, two which have been studied most extensively. They are CB1 and CB2 which are receptors that sit on the surface of cells and monitor conditions on the outside. Whenever they sense the body is falling out of state, so to speak, they signal the appropriate cellular response to restore balance.

While we cannot make medical claims regarding the effectiveness of 2-AG and AEA on the human body, there has been extensive studies over the past several years that indicates that the “scientists” may be on the verge of discovering more effective, lower cost natural compounds that could put us on a path towards improved health and less dependence on opioids.

There are various diseases where studies applying endocannabinoids have turned up some very promising results. Phyto-cannabinoids and synthetic cannabinoids can interact with the components of ECS or other cellular pathways and thus affect the development/progression of various diseases, including cancer. In cancer patients, cannabinoids have been primary used as part of palliative care thereby reducing the patient’s pain and suffering while relieving nausea and stimulating appetite. In addition, numerous animal and cell culture studies showed positive antitumor effects of cannabinoids on various types of the disease.

The European Union has been leading the charge in the study on the use of cannabinoids for medical and therapeutic purposes. In vitro (procedures performed outside a living organism) and in vivo (procedures performed within a living organism) cancer models show that cannabinoids can effectively modulate tumor growth. However, the antitumor effect appears to be largely dependent on the cancer type and drug dosage and concentration.

Recent research also emphasizes the importance of safety measures when using cannabinoids since, depending on the compounds, they may potentially impair cognitive functions, especially in those with weakened immune systems or adolescents.

The biological role of ECS in cancer pathophysiology is not completely clear. While preliminary studies showed that activation of CB receptors by cannabinoids is anti-tumorigenic in most cases, there is still a great deal of study and experimentation that will be necessary before we can emphatically state that we are on the path to conquering this dreaded enemy. It is somewhat comforting to know that, years of pain and suffering could be potentially averted with the correct application of cannabinoids.

Thanks again for taking the time to read our latest blog…CBD Doc.